vanilla dutch
Active member
Defoliation is not good.the more leaves the better.especially a young plant
Alright mate
Dont be shy with regards to removing the lower foliage, the sooner you do so the better, as more energy will be channelled in to everything at the top. Same goes when your training them, it doesnt matter if you snap a branch or split the middle stem, just get some gaffa or electrical tape and tape it back together, a week or so later it will heal and knot back up and be stronger than before. It acts similiar to super cropping.
With regards to training plants, I usually do as posted above, veg for 3-5 weeks, top to leave 6-8 arms, then I put the nets in the tent. I add the nets just before 12/12, or a week or so in to 12/12 once theyve got some stretch going on. I will normally slide the nets down the tent poles on top of the plants, then start bending the arms under the squares in the nets. In a week or so they will find their way back through. Its worth noting, I normally double or triple net the tent. I would say the first net is around 12-18 inches above soil level, then the additional nets around 12 inches or so apart. Come week 2-3 12/12 once stretch is over, any foliage under the first net is fully removed, and any small buds coming of the branches between the 2nd and 3rd net are removed, just leaving shoots and tops, minimising any larf and maximising buddage. You dont need to bother with fish weights or anything like that.
Biggest piece of advice is dont get too worried or stressed if something doesnt go to plan, its all a learning curve!
Wish you all the best.